State Field 2004

2004 TSAA State Field Summaryby Tournament director, Rick Stonebraker

Wet, wild, and wonderful! Sounds like a day at
Splashtown or some other water park. But it was just another exciting day on
the field course. The weatherman predicted rain the weekend of May 1-2 and
they were right on. The weekend before was actually worse as the field crew
waited patiently all day long, looking for a break in the weather to set up
the field course. It took a full two days to do what it normally takes in
one day but fun was had by all. Preliminary work was done the previous
weekends to help alleviate predicted weather.

On Friday, the field crew had a good day to set up the
matts and do final preparation for the opening round on Saturday. The
unmarked round on Saturday morning was cancelled due to the storm. Those who
came for the unmarked and those who came early for the marked round, huddled
together in the ranch house and watched the weather reports and satellite
predictions. Others sat around playing cards and enjoying the camaraderie
that only archers can do. A tornado touched down 20 miles north but you
would have thought it set down closer as two of the tent canopies were
destroyed.

The BBQ was moved from the ranch house to the new barn
where there was plenty of room. The cooks did a great job with the elk roast
this year. Those who mingled and ate in the barn had a great time just
waiting out the weather. Starting time of 1:30 was delayed until 2:30 and
the rain stopped. Only a few sprinkles for awhile but the weather held for
the first day while everyone braved the winds and the pools of water at the
lower level targets. TD Stonebraker sent multiple warnings during the week
to bring rubber boots so those who heeded, bravely sloshed through the water
to score and remove arrows. Those in shoes and sneakers waited for others to
score or waded through the water but no one complained. The amazing part was
the resiliency of archers who brave the elements and still have a good time
shooting field. Several groups did not finish until 8 pm Saturday evening.

Sunday was met with a beautiful blue sky and mild
temperatures but the winds never subsided. Stonebraker exclaimed in all the
years he has shot archery (there have been a few), this was the windiest
field shoot he could recall. This is the third consecutive year that the
event was held at the Blaschke Exotic Deer Ranch and it was also the most
exciting. A record 73 registered this year and only 10 no-shows so the
attendance of 63 was still a record, topping the 59 from the year before.
Which means – next year should be even better!

Additional comments:

David
Gillis Adds: We just wanted to let all of you know that your hard work was
appreciated. As we were driving from Seguin to Columbus on Saturday morning
I told my van full of archers that it was a real shame all the work that was
done to bring this thing off was sure to be wasted. This was while I was
driving in a blinding thunder storm. I could not see ahead more than 30'. I
pulled into the ranch and the pouring rain didn't give me much hope. Being
an officer in the TFAA I knew what it took to put this tournament together.
But in my humble opinion the way it turned out was great. The range was in
terrific shape, far better than anyone would have ever thought. This was due
to the effort you guys put into it.

If
archers want to have fun, I guess you just can't stop 'em. We look forward
to this tournament more and more every time we attend. We can't wait until
next year.

The
Gillis family thanks you for your hard work.
David, Chris, Kathy and Roxi

TSAA Prez Mike Hojnacki adds: After many years of shooting state and
National Field courses, this one by far was the most fun and the most
challenged that I have been to. It never amazes me how you can get different
angles and different shooting pictures from just changing a stake by a foot
or two. Some of those sky shots had me thinking I was launching to the Moon!
And boy that wind was a great equalizer for most people, except Staten
Holmes, this year's recurve winner. I had the pleasure of shooting with him
and let me tell you, the wind did not seem to bother him, or maybe he just
said more prayers and got better wind conditions. Anyway, another great
field shooting event, maybe we can bid for a National event one year? Just
kidding....or maybe not...

Luis Martinez adds:
We had a blast it was a
very nice tournament an extremely challenging course and a very well
organized competition...CONGRATULATIONS!

The DeBord Family Adds:

Even though I had 5 layers of clothes on Saturday, once
again we all agree this is the most fun shoot of the year. The water and
mud just made it a little more fun for all of the little boys this year!!
Once again, a job well done! THANKS